Truckers, please give me your thoughts.

[CSMD]

I’m new to Truck Driving, just received my CDL. I'm looking for a good Ccompany to drive for. I’m not obligated to drive for any company for I paid for my CDL training. In January, I will be free to drive do to that is when my present contractual obligation is complete (non-driver job). I’m planning to go OTR from Colorado. I have four Companies in mind: Swift, Schneider, Trans AM and Warner in that order. With this being said, I’m not sure and really don’t care if I drive a Van or flatbed. I just want to drive and be able to spend some time driving in the Southeast. However I do not want to get hosed in the process. Please give me your thoughts.

[Skidmark]

I'd consider a LTL Company such as Old Dominion if they have a terminal in your area ! None of the companies you mentioned really gave me a tingle. You got the important part right by paying for your CDL schooling yourself,that way your not into a company for a year or more with no way out... I'm not sure what the driver climate is like out there ,so only you can know what's best for you. But if it was me i'd keep looking for something else...
Good Luck!

[Gonfercoffee]

Do you want to just drive around or make money?

If you want drive around
those companies are about the same.

Go with an ltl co and start building seniority
Arkansas Best Corporation Announces Second Quarter 2008 Results: PRNewswire Business News - MSN Money


Don't overlook the railroads either
they have a lot of people retiring

[DayliteDean]

Of the companies you named Schnieder probaly has the best reputation,I don't hear much about Trans Am[might be a good thing] but they pull refers,could be a lot of unpaid time sitting around packing plants [notoriously slow at loading trailers] and cold storage whouses.Swift has probaly has the worst reputation amongst drivers I'm usually pretty nervous when a Swifty gets within a 100 yards of me. If your going to be based out of Denver, give some of your local carriers a try the pay will be as good [or better] and they'll do a better job of getting you home some companies that come to mind in Denver are Denny,Western ,Navajo there are several others Ican't think of them at the moment.Youv'e already done a smart thing training on your own dime ,Ask around sometimes the local guys can give you a better opportunity than the big guys can, You won't be just another warm butt in seat to them. [pretty important when just starting out] GOOD LUCK

[CSMD]

Thanks for the info, I was under the impression that I would need to go over the road before I could drive for a LTL. I thought these companies frown upon newbies. Gonfercoffee, I want to drive to become a professional something I always wanted to do.
Skidmark, I will check into Old Dominion. DayliteDean, I never heard of Denny but I will check into that as well.

[Skidmark]

Some of the union shops might & i know for sure fedex freight requires 1 year experience. But like i said they hired me right out of school.